Posts
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Environmental Radicals threaten Alabama industries & municipalities
A sweeping majority of Alabamians understand this incident shall remain a fanatical publicity stunt. Born from desperation and delusion by people who, I believe, wish to see no development, no dams, no new roads, no home construction, no commerce, no logging, no mining, no power plants, no chicken houses, no cattle farms, no natural gas. no JOBS! Environmentalists excoriate and abhor economic growth, advancement, and progress. It is my opinion their ethos drives up the costs of living, and brings down the ability to grasp opportunities.
You suppose I'm embellishing? Go to the following site and study their "issues" in the drop-down menu. They have a problem with everything!
A sweeping majority of Alabamians understand this incident shall remain a fanatical publicity stunt. Born from desperation and delusion by people who, I believe, wish to see no development, no dams, no new roads, no home construction, no commerce, no logging, no mining, no power plants, no chicken houses, no cattle farms, no natural gas. no JOBS! Environmentalists excoriate and abhor economic growth, advancement, and progress. It is my opinion their ethos drives up the costs of living, and brings down the ability to grasp opportunities.
You suppose I'm embellishing? Go to the following site and study their "issues" in the drop-down menu. They have a problem with everything!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
National Coal Coping with NIMBYism, Accompanied by A Heavy Dose of Extremist Environmental Obstructionism.
A few observations and questions about the wailing, and rending of garments over the proposed Brushy Pond Coal Mine, if I may.
Not an inconsequential amount of pollution is caused by marine engines, and marinas. There are more than 1,000,000 households in Alabama that have some type of watercraft. I may be proved wrong, but as this increasing, collective, en masse pollution continues, unceasingly, as it has for decades, where is the misplaced self-righteous indignation, where are the petitions to halt boating in our precious lake? I do hope the residents near Brushy Pond have not found their new vigor for environmental obstructionism only when it is in their self-interest. Surely they will soon endorse a moratorium on marine engines and the marinas, for the good of the environment, to save and protect the water quality. Surely they are not participating in selective environmentalism. Pollution is pollution, no matter the scope or size. Just as there being no difference between a white lie, and black one; they're both lies.
The Problem of Marine Engine Pollution;
Environmental Effects of Marinas and Boating Activities;
High toxicity in the water;
Among the greatest contributors of hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) pollution in the United States.
Secondly, where was the three-ring circus, that now belligerently tries to suck the pragmatism, logic, and objectivism from the room, when developers, realtors, speculators, were building, adding-on to, or demolishing to make way for, the nice homes on the lake? Not to mention the infrastructure to get there? Was the community rife with anxiety for the possibility a critical habitat for endangered or threatened plant and animals may have been harmed in the creation of McMansions that dot the lake? Was the construction site continually monitored for environmental prohibitions? Did you plant replacement trees for the ones you destroyed?
Moreover, when you purchased your lot, or existing home, adjacent to, or on top of another surface or mineral owner, did they accuse you of lowering the value of their coal reserves? Did they exclaim that building, and living in a home on top of their minerals, or next door to, could severely inhibit their future plans to exercise their private property rights and mine their natural resources? Did the owners of the surface and mineral rights author letters to the newspapers blanketed with distortions, fear-mongering, and illogical declarations?
If you answered no to all the questions in the prior paragraph, I beseech you to write, or call, your neighbor, or whomever may own the mineral rights beneath your land, and thank them; thank them for respecting your private property rights.
Not an inconsequential amount of pollution is caused by marine engines, and marinas. There are more than 1,000,000 households in Alabama that have some type of watercraft. I may be proved wrong, but as this increasing, collective, en masse pollution continues, unceasingly, as it has for decades, where is the misplaced self-righteous indignation, where are the petitions to halt boating in our precious lake? I do hope the residents near Brushy Pond have not found their new vigor for environmental obstructionism only when it is in their self-interest. Surely they will soon endorse a moratorium on marine engines and the marinas, for the good of the environment, to save and protect the water quality. Surely they are not participating in selective environmentalism. Pollution is pollution, no matter the scope or size. Just as there being no difference between a white lie, and black one; they're both lies.
The Problem of Marine Engine Pollution;
Environmental Effects of Marinas and Boating Activities;
High toxicity in the water;
Among the greatest contributors of hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) pollution in the United States.
Secondly, where was the three-ring circus, that now belligerently tries to suck the pragmatism, logic, and objectivism from the room, when developers, realtors, speculators, were building, adding-on to, or demolishing to make way for, the nice homes on the lake? Not to mention the infrastructure to get there? Was the community rife with anxiety for the possibility a critical habitat for endangered or threatened plant and animals may have been harmed in the creation of McMansions that dot the lake? Was the construction site continually monitored for environmental prohibitions? Did you plant replacement trees for the ones you destroyed?
Moreover, when you purchased your lot, or existing home, adjacent to, or on top of another surface or mineral owner, did they accuse you of lowering the value of their coal reserves? Did they exclaim that building, and living in a home on top of their minerals, or next door to, could severely inhibit their future plans to exercise their private property rights and mine their natural resources? Did the owners of the surface and mineral rights author letters to the newspapers blanketed with distortions, fear-mongering, and illogical declarations?
If you answered no to all the questions in the prior paragraph, I beseech you to write, or call, your neighbor, or whomever may own the mineral rights beneath your land, and thank them; thank them for respecting your private property rights.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Roadblocks To New Mining; Are We Compromising National Security?
By Christopher Hopkins
Senior Vice President, Aggregates and Mining, The Saint Consulting Group.
Numerous arguments are made for and against mining. Public debate typically focuses on mining’s impacts on the environment, the economy, the landscape, home values and impacts on communities. Virtually ignored, however, is how the decline in mining in the United States affects national security.
When forced to consider mining’s contributions to national security, most people will identify the usual suspects — oil, natural gas, uranium and coal. All are vitally important.
But it’s time for Americans to consider a different type of mining, what is often referred to as “rare earth” mineral mining. These are some of the world’s most obscure but valuable minerals, 15 elements used in a variety of ways to produce products that are vital to national defense, our economic future, our technological future, and even our environmental future.
The so-called rare earth minerals include such elements as lanthanum, neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium and erbium. These minerals and the other nine are key in the production of essential products used every day. They are key ingredients in everything from the sonar radar used on Navy warships and submarines to the hydride batteries used to run the latest hybrid automobiles.
For example, the magnets required to operate a single wind turbine are composed of two tons of rare earth materials. According to a recent Reuters article, the Toyota Prius is fast becoming the largest user of rare earth minerals in the world. A Prius uses 2.2 pounds of neodymium for lightweight magnets that help power the electric motor, and 22 pounds of lanthanum in the battery. As Toyota seeks to increase productivity and fuel economy, these amounts will double.
China holds 53 percent of the world supply and currently produces 95 percent of the rare earths mined. But in each of the last three years, China has reduced the amount of rare earths that can be exported. Western governments and multinational corporations alike are alarmed by the possibility that China will further restrict exports. The Telegraph of London reported in August that China was considering a total ban on export of several of the rare earth minerals.
Just one active rare earth mineral mine is operating outside China (it’s in Australia). A second mine is scheduled to begin mining in Mountain Pass, California, in 2011. Mountain Pass had been an active mine until the early 1990s when China flooded the mineral market, driving down the price to the point where it was no longer profitable to produce.
Even if China wanted to, it cannot in the near future produce the amount of material that will be required across the globe. In 1999, world demand for these materials was around 40,000 metric tons per year; in 2009, that demand grew to 125,000 metric tons. It is estimated that by the year 2014, demand will be 200,000 metric tons.
China’s virtual monopoly of the rare earth mineral sector allows it to manipulate the pricing structure of these minerals, increasing the revenue flowing into China from around the world and its ability to dominate the world economy.
This is recognized as a real threat to our economy and our ability to transition into the “green economy” that is being touted as the world’s next great economic boom. Jim Sims, president of the Western Business Roundtable, predicted that if China stops its exports, wind turbine production would cease entirely within 60 days.
The 47% of the world supply not located in China is primarily located in the United States and Australia. Any new restrictions on mining these minerals in the United States could threaten our future. Neodymium, the key element needed for wind turbines, is located in the Lemhl Pass in Idaho, but the site borders the Lemhl River, one of the largest producing salmon tributaries on the Salmon River. Any attempt to mine this area would undoubtedly meet strong opposition from environmentalists.
There needs to be an understanding and a balance between the environmental community and doing what is needed to ensure our national security, both militarily and economically. The key to the future may lie in the ability of these minerals to be mined in large quantities in the United States, with environmental community coming aboard in these efforts. With these materials being an essential ingredient in the coming green economy, it’s clear there is strong reason for cooperation and agreement on what is rapidly becoming an essential need for our future.
Chris Hopkins is senior vice president for aggregates and mining, The Saint Consulting Group, email hopkins@tscg.biz and phone 615-656-3794
Senior Vice President, Aggregates and Mining, The Saint Consulting Group.
Numerous arguments are made for and against mining. Public debate typically focuses on mining’s impacts on the environment, the economy, the landscape, home values and impacts on communities. Virtually ignored, however, is how the decline in mining in the United States affects national security.
When forced to consider mining’s contributions to national security, most people will identify the usual suspects — oil, natural gas, uranium and coal. All are vitally important.
But it’s time for Americans to consider a different type of mining, what is often referred to as “rare earth” mineral mining. These are some of the world’s most obscure but valuable minerals, 15 elements used in a variety of ways to produce products that are vital to national defense, our economic future, our technological future, and even our environmental future.
The so-called rare earth minerals include such elements as lanthanum, neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium and erbium. These minerals and the other nine are key in the production of essential products used every day. They are key ingredients in everything from the sonar radar used on Navy warships and submarines to the hydride batteries used to run the latest hybrid automobiles.
For example, the magnets required to operate a single wind turbine are composed of two tons of rare earth materials. According to a recent Reuters article, the Toyota Prius is fast becoming the largest user of rare earth minerals in the world. A Prius uses 2.2 pounds of neodymium for lightweight magnets that help power the electric motor, and 22 pounds of lanthanum in the battery. As Toyota seeks to increase productivity and fuel economy, these amounts will double.
China holds 53 percent of the world supply and currently produces 95 percent of the rare earths mined. But in each of the last three years, China has reduced the amount of rare earths that can be exported. Western governments and multinational corporations alike are alarmed by the possibility that China will further restrict exports. The Telegraph of London reported in August that China was considering a total ban on export of several of the rare earth minerals.
Just one active rare earth mineral mine is operating outside China (it’s in Australia). A second mine is scheduled to begin mining in Mountain Pass, California, in 2011. Mountain Pass had been an active mine until the early 1990s when China flooded the mineral market, driving down the price to the point where it was no longer profitable to produce.
Even if China wanted to, it cannot in the near future produce the amount of material that will be required across the globe. In 1999, world demand for these materials was around 40,000 metric tons per year; in 2009, that demand grew to 125,000 metric tons. It is estimated that by the year 2014, demand will be 200,000 metric tons.
China’s virtual monopoly of the rare earth mineral sector allows it to manipulate the pricing structure of these minerals, increasing the revenue flowing into China from around the world and its ability to dominate the world economy.
This is recognized as a real threat to our economy and our ability to transition into the “green economy” that is being touted as the world’s next great economic boom. Jim Sims, president of the Western Business Roundtable, predicted that if China stops its exports, wind turbine production would cease entirely within 60 days.
The 47% of the world supply not located in China is primarily located in the United States and Australia. Any new restrictions on mining these minerals in the United States could threaten our future. Neodymium, the key element needed for wind turbines, is located in the Lemhl Pass in Idaho, but the site borders the Lemhl River, one of the largest producing salmon tributaries on the Salmon River. Any attempt to mine this area would undoubtedly meet strong opposition from environmentalists.
There needs to be an understanding and a balance between the environmental community and doing what is needed to ensure our national security, both militarily and economically. The key to the future may lie in the ability of these minerals to be mined in large quantities in the United States, with environmental community coming aboard in these efforts. With these materials being an essential ingredient in the coming green economy, it’s clear there is strong reason for cooperation and agreement on what is rapidly becoming an essential need for our future.
Chris Hopkins is senior vice president for aggregates and mining, The Saint Consulting Group, email hopkins@tscg.biz and phone 615-656-3794
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Our sincere condolences, and prays are given to the family of James Chaney, who perished, yesterday, at Walter Energy's Brookwood No. 7 underground mine. We also hope and pray for a speedy recovery for Milton Etheridge who was found in imminent danger, as well.
Read the account here.
Read the account here.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Jackson County Residents Claim Proposed Mining Area Danger To Motorists
Browse the full story here.
SCOTTSBORO, AL. - Residents in the Sand Mountain community of Fabius near Stevenson
Sand Mountain residents say a coal mining pit like this, if dug along Jackson County Road 81 in the Fabius community near Stevenson, would be a hazard to traffic, including school buses that travel the road daily.
D & E Mining, based in the nearby Flat Rock community, asked the commission for permission to mine coal next to the road.
SCOTTSBORO, AL. - Residents in the Sand Mountain community of Fabius near Stevenson
Sand Mountain residents say a coal mining pit like this, if dug along Jackson County Road 81 in the Fabius community near Stevenson, would be a hazard to traffic, including school buses that travel the road daily.
D & E Mining, based in the nearby Flat Rock community, asked the commission for permission to mine coal next to the road.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Drummond Writes Secretary of State Clinton
Read the full story here
Drummond Co. President Garry Neil Drummond has filed a protest with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton about the United Steelworkers union, which earlier petitioned her to probe working conditions at the company's mine in Colombia, where the latest fatality happened last week.
The flap stems from a letter the Steelworkers sent to Clinton in September, objecting to treatment of workers at the Pribbenow Mine that Drummond operates in South America. That letter stated the company planned to fire all 4,000 union-affiliated workers at the mine near La Loma, and that Clinton should investigate.
Now, the Steelworkers have backed off the assertion that the company plans to fire all union workers. The union doesn't represent the Colombian miners, but does represent thousands of miners in North America and supports overseas miners as part of an international outreach program. And the Steelworkers still say there needs to be more attention to detail at Drummond's Colombian mine.
The controversy has focused international attention on the 25,000-acre Pribbenow Mine, a surface operation that opened during the 1990s as Drummond's profitably recoverable Alabama coal dwindled.
The mine produces about 24 million tons a year and pays workers far above the national minimum wage. The population of La Loma has more than doubled in recent years, and investment is booming as Drummond works to develop a second mine in the area.
Dozens of Alabamians work in Colombia on rotating shifts, flying back and forth on the company's private jets for days or weeks at a time.
"Drummond will continue to use all legal means to assure that neither its work force nor the public continues to be misinformed and that the goodwill and name of the company is preserved," Garry Neil Drummond told Clinton in a letter dated Nov. 4.
Drummond Co. was formed in Walker County by the current president's father, who started the billion-dollar company with a mule and a wagon. The main street in La Loma is named for him, Heman Drummond.
Drummond Co. President Garry Neil Drummond has filed a protest with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton about the United Steelworkers union, which earlier petitioned her to probe working conditions at the company's mine in Colombia, where the latest fatality happened last week.
The flap stems from a letter the Steelworkers sent to Clinton in September, objecting to treatment of workers at the Pribbenow Mine that Drummond operates in South America. That letter stated the company planned to fire all 4,000 union-affiliated workers at the mine near La Loma, and that Clinton should investigate.
Now, the Steelworkers have backed off the assertion that the company plans to fire all union workers. The union doesn't represent the Colombian miners, but does represent thousands of miners in North America and supports overseas miners as part of an international outreach program. And the Steelworkers still say there needs to be more attention to detail at Drummond's Colombian mine.
The controversy has focused international attention on the 25,000-acre Pribbenow Mine, a surface operation that opened during the 1990s as Drummond's profitably recoverable Alabama coal dwindled.
The mine produces about 24 million tons a year and pays workers far above the national minimum wage. The population of La Loma has more than doubled in recent years, and investment is booming as Drummond works to develop a second mine in the area.
Dozens of Alabamians work in Colombia on rotating shifts, flying back and forth on the company's private jets for days or weeks at a time.
"Drummond will continue to use all legal means to assure that neither its work force nor the public continues to be misinformed and that the goodwill and name of the company is preserved," Garry Neil Drummond told Clinton in a letter dated Nov. 4.
Drummond Co. was formed in Walker County by the current president's father, who started the billion-dollar company with a mule and a wagon. The main street in La Loma is named for him, Heman Drummond.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Open letter to Sierra Club’s Bruce Nilles
Open letter to Sierra Club’s Bruce Nilles
This letter is addressed to the Sierra Club’s Bruce Nilles concerning issues over commenting on Facebook fan pages for ACCCE and the Sierra Club.
Dear Bruce,
We appreciate your reaching out to us this week on our Facebook page. We encourage a robust conversation there from all sides of the energy debate, be it through comments or links to videos or other interesting content. We believe that the facts surrounding the use of coal as a fuel of the future are so strong, we’re willing to debate anywhere, anytime … including on Facebook.
However, apparently the Sierra Club, the organization you represent, does not share a similar commitment to a full and open discussion on issues involving energy and the environment. I tried commenting last week on Sierra Club’s Facebook page, but was blocked from doing so. I’ve also tried to post on your site’s wall (as you did twice on our page last week), only to find that you don’t allow postings.
Given this turn of events, I’ve decided to delete your postings from our page. You can repost those items should the Sierra Club decide to allow ACCCE open access to your site’s page.
Sincerely,
Joe Lucas Senior Vice President, ACCCE
Posted using ShareThis
This letter is addressed to the Sierra Club’s Bruce Nilles concerning issues over commenting on Facebook fan pages for ACCCE and the Sierra Club.
Dear Bruce,
We appreciate your reaching out to us this week on our Facebook page. We encourage a robust conversation there from all sides of the energy debate, be it through comments or links to videos or other interesting content. We believe that the facts surrounding the use of coal as a fuel of the future are so strong, we’re willing to debate anywhere, anytime … including on Facebook.
However, apparently the Sierra Club, the organization you represent, does not share a similar commitment to a full and open discussion on issues involving energy and the environment. I tried commenting last week on Sierra Club’s Facebook page, but was blocked from doing so. I’ve also tried to post on your site’s wall (as you did twice on our page last week), only to find that you don’t allow postings.
Given this turn of events, I’ve decided to delete your postings from our page. You can repost those items should the Sierra Club decide to allow ACCCE open access to your site’s page.
Sincerely,
Joe Lucas Senior Vice President, ACCCE
Posted using ShareThis
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Alabama's Walter Energy Sees Strong Demand For Steel-Making Coal
Read the full report here
* Says sales are outpacing 2008 highs
* Says getting additional orders from customers
* Says to start longwall mining in December
* Says sales are outpacing 2008 highs
* Says getting additional orders from customers
* Says to start longwall mining in December
Monday, October 19, 2009
Mobile Press-Register Editorial: Bill would 'cap' the economies of 2 states
Catch the full story here.
MOST MEMBERS of the Alabama and Mississippi congressional delegations have correctly concluded that "cap and trade" environmental proposals in Congress would be a kick in the teeth for the two states.
Indeed, even if one accepts that global warming is a grave threat, the cap-and-trade legislation would do little to reduce the problem of global carbon emissions.
Alabama, Mississippi and other Southern states that rely on coal-generated electricity would pay a higher price than the nation as a whole.
The cap-and-trade system would impose significant costs on the two states' coal-based power industries. Also, Alabama and Mississippi would have to import electricity from states with a greater capacity to generate wind and solar power.
These added costs would virtually eliminate a key advantage Alabama and Mississippi have enjoyed in competing for new industries: relatively low-cost power.
We expect the states' senators — Mr. Sessions and Richard Shelby in Alabama; Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker in Mississippi — will also say "no" to this cap on the economy.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Alabama Environmental Management Commission Punts.
As reported in the Birmingham News:
The Alabama Environmental Management Commission this morning told an administrative law judge to conduct further hearings on a water discharge permit for the proposed 1,773-acre Shepherd Bend coal strip mine.
The mine is near a major Birmingham Water Works intake on the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River.
Black Warrior Riverkeeper Inc. had appealed the Alabama Department of Environmental Management's decision to grant the permit, arguing the operation would harm water quality.
The commission oversees ADEM.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Demand For Steel, Coke, Coal Heat Up With Inventories At Low
Read the article here
With the global steel industry rebounding after a disastrous nine months, depleted inventories need to be replenished, which should bode well in 2010 for steelmakers and coal, coke and iron ore suppliers, industry experts said Wednesday.
Predictions by the World Steel Association indicate that the steel industry will have a healthy 2010, U.S. Steel Corp. CEO John Surma said at the Met Coke World Summit at the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel, Downtown. The trade association anticipates global steel demand will grow next year by about 9 percent to the level of 2008.
Inventories at steel industry service centers are at historic low levels, Surma said. The industry's operating rate at the beginning of the month was just below 60 percent of capacity, down from 77 percent at the same time in 2008. The current production rate is not sufficient to meet the growing demand for steel, Surma said.
Demand for coke and coal has been robust in Asia, particularly in China and India, Surma said. The U.S. Steel chief, who just returned from an industry conference in China this week, said he sees no indication that China's "extraordinary increase in steel consumption" will slow in the near future.
"The economic environment suggests that 2010 will be a better year," as more steelmaking capacity is put into production, said Becky E. Hites, managing partner for World Steel Dynamics, an Englewood Cliffs, N.J., consulting firm.
The production of coke, made by burning metallurgical coal and used as a fuel in steel mill blast furnaces, should increase to between 25 million and 28 million tons in 2010, from the projected 15 million tons this year, said Ronnie Cecil, senior consultant on steelmaking costs and raw materials for CRU, a London-based consulting firm that has an office in Pittsburgh.
Higher demand could bring an increase in coke prices to between $200 and $250 a ton next year, Cecil said. But the market and price for metallurgical coal will be affected by what China does with a 40 percent duty it placed on its exports, Cecil said. That has boosted the price of Chinese coking coal to more than $350 a ton, thus limiting its demand on the international market, Cecil said.
"We think met coal is certainly the 'choke point' of the steel industry around the world," rather than iron ore or other raw materials, said Joseph Carrabba, CEO of Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., a Cleveland-based owner and operator of iron ore and metallurgical coal mines. Steel-producing countries such as India, China and Brazil are short on metallurgical coal, Carrabba noted.
While predicting that 2010 will be a year of recovery, no one should get "too euphoric" because "the economies we are dealing with are fragile," Carrabba said. He is "cautiously optimistic," waiting to see if the economic rebound will falter when the "stimulus bubble" bursts.
With the global steel industry rebounding after a disastrous nine months, depleted inventories need to be replenished, which should bode well in 2010 for steelmakers and coal, coke and iron ore suppliers, industry experts said Wednesday.
Predictions by the World Steel Association indicate that the steel industry will have a healthy 2010, U.S. Steel Corp. CEO John Surma said at the Met Coke World Summit at the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel, Downtown. The trade association anticipates global steel demand will grow next year by about 9 percent to the level of 2008.
Inventories at steel industry service centers are at historic low levels, Surma said. The industry's operating rate at the beginning of the month was just below 60 percent of capacity, down from 77 percent at the same time in 2008. The current production rate is not sufficient to meet the growing demand for steel, Surma said.
Demand for coke and coal has been robust in Asia, particularly in China and India, Surma said. The U.S. Steel chief, who just returned from an industry conference in China this week, said he sees no indication that China's "extraordinary increase in steel consumption" will slow in the near future.
"The economic environment suggests that 2010 will be a better year," as more steelmaking capacity is put into production, said Becky E. Hites, managing partner for World Steel Dynamics, an Englewood Cliffs, N.J., consulting firm.
The production of coke, made by burning metallurgical coal and used as a fuel in steel mill blast furnaces, should increase to between 25 million and 28 million tons in 2010, from the projected 15 million tons this year, said Ronnie Cecil, senior consultant on steelmaking costs and raw materials for CRU, a London-based consulting firm that has an office in Pittsburgh.
Higher demand could bring an increase in coke prices to between $200 and $250 a ton next year, Cecil said. But the market and price for metallurgical coal will be affected by what China does with a 40 percent duty it placed on its exports, Cecil said. That has boosted the price of Chinese coking coal to more than $350 a ton, thus limiting its demand on the international market, Cecil said.
"We think met coal is certainly the 'choke point' of the steel industry around the world," rather than iron ore or other raw materials, said Joseph Carrabba, CEO of Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., a Cleveland-based owner and operator of iron ore and metallurgical coal mines. Steel-producing countries such as India, China and Brazil are short on metallurgical coal, Carrabba noted.
While predicting that 2010 will be a year of recovery, no one should get "too euphoric" because "the economies we are dealing with are fragile," Carrabba said. He is "cautiously optimistic," waiting to see if the economic rebound will falter when the "stimulus bubble" bursts.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Experts Say Coke Ovens Getting More Environmentally Conscience.
Catch the full story here.
Coke oven technology in the 21st century will cut down on harmful gas produced by burning coal at high temperatures, whether its done by recovering the gaseous byproducts or burning them in the ovens, industry experts said Tuesday.
The process by which noxious gases are burned in the coke ovens "is taking off in the U.S.," because it is a simpler process and poses less risk to the environment, said Hardarshan Valia, the co-chairman of the Met Coke World Summit, which opened yesterday in the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel, Downtown. The event, which has attracted more than 200 industry representatives from around the world, continues through Thursday.
"You can't smell the benzene or the other gases. Most of the steelmakers are going that way," said Valia, a metallurgical coal consultant and president of Coal Science Inc., a consulting firm in Highland, Ind.
Coke, produced by burning pulverized bituminous coal inside sealed ovens at high temperatures for about 18 hours, is used as fuel in a blast furnace to make steel. U.S. production of coke has dropped in recent years as the steel industry consolidated and coke production moved overseas, a result of increased demand in China and India, and stricter U.S. environmental regulations, Valia said.
Coke oven technology in the 21st century will cut down on harmful gas produced by burning coal at high temperatures, whether its done by recovering the gaseous byproducts or burning them in the ovens, industry experts said Tuesday.
The process by which noxious gases are burned in the coke ovens "is taking off in the U.S.," because it is a simpler process and poses less risk to the environment, said Hardarshan Valia, the co-chairman of the Met Coke World Summit, which opened yesterday in the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel, Downtown. The event, which has attracted more than 200 industry representatives from around the world, continues through Thursday.
"You can't smell the benzene or the other gases. Most of the steelmakers are going that way," said Valia, a metallurgical coal consultant and president of Coal Science Inc., a consulting firm in Highland, Ind.
Coke, produced by burning pulverized bituminous coal inside sealed ovens at high temperatures for about 18 hours, is used as fuel in a blast furnace to make steel. U.S. production of coke has dropped in recent years as the steel industry consolidated and coke production moved overseas, a result of increased demand in China and India, and stricter U.S. environmental regulations, Valia said.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers Gives His Thoughts On Current Cap & Trade Legislation.
Read the full story here.
Most folks across East Alabama are struggling to make ends meet in this economy. In addition to working to help create new jobs, Congress also needs to ask: how can we help keep the jobs we have?
Most folks are rightly concerned about the direction our country is headed, and are looking to Congress for answers.
With Alabama’s state unemployment rate at 10.4 percent, up from 5.2 percent this time last year, only a handful of the thirteen counties in the Third Congressional District are doing much better. The numbers indicate the pain.
So what can Congress do to help keep the jobs we have? For starters, it needs to do no harm.
Keeping our jobs also means not penalizing Alabama’s manufacturing sector. Just two months ago, the House passed the Cap and Trade bill without my support.
In its current form, this bill is a jobs killer for coal-dependent states like Alabama. The costs could be hundreds per family each year, and could increase energy rates for hardworking families and businesses alike that are already hurting.
Those increased costs could add to the challenges our manufacturing sector faces, and very well drive away many of the good paying jobs Alabama has recruited in recent years. It could make us less competitive with China and India, and further encourage outsourcing of jobs.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Radar Acquisitions Corp. Zeros In On Alabama Coal
Radar is pleased to announce that Radar has entered into an agreement (the "Agreement") to create a US coal mining company ("RAC Mining") in partnership with a group of private investors in Alabama. Under the agreement Radar will own 49% of RAC Mining with the remaining ownership being held by two Alabama based mining companies. The assets of the newly created company will include a historically producing Alabama coal property.
The new company formed, RAC Mining, will hold one active mining permit, #3868, covering a total area of approximately 130 acres and two other permits, #3928 (comprising approximately 224 acres) and #3889 (comprising approximately 16 acres), which are pending and anticipated to be issued within the next 90 days. Both of these permits are adjacent to the active mining permit and all lands are in Jefferson County, Alabama. In addition, RAC Mining will hold two mining leases; one for 80 acres on adjacent lands and one for approximately 640 acres on lands in the Franklin, Marion and Winston Counties, Alabama. The permitting process has started on the 640 acres land holding and the mining permit is expected to be issued in the first quarter of 2010.
Read the full press release here.
The new company formed, RAC Mining, will hold one active mining permit, #3868, covering a total area of approximately 130 acres and two other permits, #3928 (comprising approximately 224 acres) and #3889 (comprising approximately 16 acres), which are pending and anticipated to be issued within the next 90 days. Both of these permits are adjacent to the active mining permit and all lands are in Jefferson County, Alabama. In addition, RAC Mining will hold two mining leases; one for 80 acres on adjacent lands and one for approximately 640 acres on lands in the Franklin, Marion and Winston Counties, Alabama. The permitting process has started on the 640 acres land holding and the mining permit is expected to be issued in the first quarter of 2010.
Read the full press release here.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Cap And Trade Redux: $1,761 Annually Per Family? Or Not?
Read the full analysis here
The Obama administration has privately concluded that a cap and trade law would cost American taxpayers up to $200 billion a year, the equivalent of hiking personal income taxes by about 15 percent... the total in new taxes would be between $100 billion to $200 billion a year. At the upper end of the administration's estimate, the cost per American household would be an extra $1,761 a year." Cap and trade is, of course, the idea of pollution credits, meaning that a pollution limit is established and industries can sell the right to emit carbon to each other.
In response to my article, the Treasury Department's Alan Krueger, assistant secretary for economic policy, said on Wednesday in an e-mail message: "Treasury's analysis is consistent with public analyses by the EIA, EPA, and CBO, and the reporting and blogging on this issue ignores the fact that the revenue raised from emission permits would be returned to consumers under both administration and legislative proposals."
I've asked the Treasury Department to explain why key portions were redacted from the internal report (PDF), which includes this line: "It will raise energy prices and impose annual costs on the order of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX."
I still haven't received a response.
Sen. Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican, has picked up on this unusual secrecy. His spokesman sent me this statement from his boss on Wednesday: "The current administration claims to be the most transparent in American history, yet it's been hiding a report showing its cap-and-trade energy plan would cost up to $200 billion every year. American families can't afford a new $1,761 yearly energy tax, and our economy surely cannot afford the 1-percent drop in productivity this big-government bill would cause. The best step we can take right now to lower energy costs, boost the economy, and clean our air would be to rely on a technology we created: nuclear power."
The Obama administration has privately concluded that a cap and trade law would cost American taxpayers up to $200 billion a year, the equivalent of hiking personal income taxes by about 15 percent... the total in new taxes would be between $100 billion to $200 billion a year. At the upper end of the administration's estimate, the cost per American household would be an extra $1,761 a year." Cap and trade is, of course, the idea of pollution credits, meaning that a pollution limit is established and industries can sell the right to emit carbon to each other.
In response to my article, the Treasury Department's Alan Krueger, assistant secretary for economic policy, said on Wednesday in an e-mail message: "Treasury's analysis is consistent with public analyses by the EIA, EPA, and CBO, and the reporting and blogging on this issue ignores the fact that the revenue raised from emission permits would be returned to consumers under both administration and legislative proposals."
I've asked the Treasury Department to explain why key portions were redacted from the internal report (PDF), which includes this line: "It will raise energy prices and impose annual costs on the order of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX."
I still haven't received a response.
Sen. Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican, has picked up on this unusual secrecy. His spokesman sent me this statement from his boss on Wednesday: "The current administration claims to be the most transparent in American history, yet it's been hiding a report showing its cap-and-trade energy plan would cost up to $200 billion every year. American families can't afford a new $1,761 yearly energy tax, and our economy surely cannot afford the 1-percent drop in productivity this big-government bill would cause. The best step we can take right now to lower energy costs, boost the economy, and clean our air would be to rely on a technology we created: nuclear power."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Blount County Audience Voices Strong Reservations Over Proposed Return of Coal Mining
Browse through the full story here.
A Canadian company called MCoal has applied to the Alabama Surface Mining Commission for an initial permit that covers 564 acres.
The company has applied to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for a wider permit covering 3,522 acres and company officials say that future phases of their mining of the Rosa Coal seam could include underground mining.
While the current permit will not allow blasting and includes only augur mining, residents expect future phases will.
MCoal plans to hire 25 to 30 local employees and hopes to recover a total of 5 million tons over the next several years. The Rosa Coal seam is known to produce metallurgical coal, which is particularly valuable because it can be cooked into coke which is used to make steel.
The rising price of coal has sparked a renewed interest in mining deposits that had not been considered economically feasible.
A Canadian company called MCoal has applied to the Alabama Surface Mining Commission for an initial permit that covers 564 acres.
The company has applied to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for a wider permit covering 3,522 acres and company officials say that future phases of their mining of the Rosa Coal seam could include underground mining.
While the current permit will not allow blasting and includes only augur mining, residents expect future phases will.
MCoal plans to hire 25 to 30 local employees and hopes to recover a total of 5 million tons over the next several years. The Rosa Coal seam is known to produce metallurgical coal, which is particularly valuable because it can be cooked into coke which is used to make steel.
The rising price of coal has sparked a renewed interest in mining deposits that had not been considered economically feasible.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
EPA Forbids Progress On Fayette County Reservoir.
EPA: Hey, river creatures need fresh water more so than people.
After 20 years of work and a recent $6 million appropriation from U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, it appeared that a long-sought-after reservoir for Fayette County would finally come to fruition. However, the Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees the funding, has put a halt to the project.
“Basically, the EPA is unwilling - according to them, unable - to allow the project to proceed, absent a current environmental impact statement,” said Fayette County Probate Judge William Oswalt, who has worked on the project since the push for a reservoir began in 1989.
“They want us to start all over again on the permit process, and because of the Nov. 15 deadline, we can’t do that,” he said. “We are in a catch-22 because we have an authorization from one federal agency, but another federal agency - the one that holds the funds - insists on an environmental impact statement.”
An environmental impact study was performed between 1992 and 1994, but because of regulation changes, the EPA says it cannot release the federal funds without a new study. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted a permit for construction of the dam after the initial study was completed. It expires Nov. 15 and cannot be extended, Oswalt said.
Even though the county has had the permit in hand for years, it has been unable to proceed with the $30 million project because it did not have enough money. The county had managed to set aside $10.5 million in local money and had $2 million in federal dollars; the $6 million appropriation from Shelby would have been enough to make it feasible to go forward.
Now, because of the time needed for a comprehensive environmental impact study and the Corps of Engineers deadline, starting work on the 1,977-acre reservoir will be impossible.
“When Sen. Shelby provided the special appropriations grant, we assumed that the money would be made available for the project, but we assumed incorrectly, because of regulatory hurdles that cannot be met, and certainly cannot be met by Nov. 15,” Oswalt said.
“It’s a heartbreaker. We’ve been working on this for a number of years,” he said. “It’s a much-needed project. It’d be a benefit to all of West Alabama.” Construction on the first phase of the project, building an earthen dam, was planned for this month, said Jason Walker of Tuscaloosa’s Almon Associates Inc., the project’s consulting engineer. Land acquisition and clearing would have followed, Walker said.
The reservoir would have provided a reliable source of water for residents and businesses in the county, as well as recreational activities. The town of Berry, a couple of miles south of the reservoir site, would have been one of the major beneficiaries of the project, Berry Mayor Roy Dobbs said.
“I’m very disappointed to say the least because I’ve been optimistic for the past 20 years. Over and over, we’ve been shot down by so many people and helped by so few, and Sen. Shelby’s been a friend,” said Dobbs, who has been mayor of Berry for 18 years. “We finally just about got a handle on how we were going to pay for it, got the money lined up.”
There are still areas in Fayette County where residents do not have access to clean drinking water, making it hard to attract new residents and industries, he said. Having the lake could have encouraged growth, similar to that around Lake Tuscaloosa.
“My philosophy is this: We need to find ways to get it done, instead of finding ways not to do it,” Dobbs said. “Somewhere down the road we have to decide, are we going to protect the people, or are we going to protect the snail darters and freshwater mussels?”
After 20 years of work and a recent $6 million appropriation from U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, it appeared that a long-sought-after reservoir for Fayette County would finally come to fruition. However, the Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees the funding, has put a halt to the project.
“Basically, the EPA is unwilling - according to them, unable - to allow the project to proceed, absent a current environmental impact statement,” said Fayette County Probate Judge William Oswalt, who has worked on the project since the push for a reservoir began in 1989.
“They want us to start all over again on the permit process, and because of the Nov. 15 deadline, we can’t do that,” he said. “We are in a catch-22 because we have an authorization from one federal agency, but another federal agency - the one that holds the funds - insists on an environmental impact statement.”
An environmental impact study was performed between 1992 and 1994, but because of regulation changes, the EPA says it cannot release the federal funds without a new study. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted a permit for construction of the dam after the initial study was completed. It expires Nov. 15 and cannot be extended, Oswalt said.
Even though the county has had the permit in hand for years, it has been unable to proceed with the $30 million project because it did not have enough money. The county had managed to set aside $10.5 million in local money and had $2 million in federal dollars; the $6 million appropriation from Shelby would have been enough to make it feasible to go forward.
Now, because of the time needed for a comprehensive environmental impact study and the Corps of Engineers deadline, starting work on the 1,977-acre reservoir will be impossible.
“When Sen. Shelby provided the special appropriations grant, we assumed that the money would be made available for the project, but we assumed incorrectly, because of regulatory hurdles that cannot be met, and certainly cannot be met by Nov. 15,” Oswalt said.
“It’s a heartbreaker. We’ve been working on this for a number of years,” he said. “It’s a much-needed project. It’d be a benefit to all of West Alabama.” Construction on the first phase of the project, building an earthen dam, was planned for this month, said Jason Walker of Tuscaloosa’s Almon Associates Inc., the project’s consulting engineer. Land acquisition and clearing would have followed, Walker said.
The reservoir would have provided a reliable source of water for residents and businesses in the county, as well as recreational activities. The town of Berry, a couple of miles south of the reservoir site, would have been one of the major beneficiaries of the project, Berry Mayor Roy Dobbs said.
“I’m very disappointed to say the least because I’ve been optimistic for the past 20 years. Over and over, we’ve been shot down by so many people and helped by so few, and Sen. Shelby’s been a friend,” said Dobbs, who has been mayor of Berry for 18 years. “We finally just about got a handle on how we were going to pay for it, got the money lined up.”
There are still areas in Fayette County where residents do not have access to clean drinking water, making it hard to attract new residents and industries, he said. Having the lake could have encouraged growth, similar to that around Lake Tuscaloosa.
“My philosophy is this: We need to find ways to get it done, instead of finding ways not to do it,” Dobbs said. “Somewhere down the road we have to decide, are we going to protect the people, or are we going to protect the snail darters and freshwater mussels?”
EPA Identifies 79 Coal Mine Permits For Review.
The President's environmental extremist friends must be lighting candles of joy.
The Obama administration on Friday stepped up its efforts to curb environmental damage from surface coal mining, announcing plans to give 79 permit applications in four states additional scrutiny.
Forty-nine of the permits are for mines in Kentucky, the nation's No. 3 coal-producing state. The list also includes 23 mines in West Virginia, the nation's No. 2 producer behind Wyoming, six in Ohio and one in Tennessee.
The action targets a practice known as mountaintop removal mining. The highly efficient mining method involves blasting away mountaintops to expose multiple coal seams and, in most cases, filling nearby valleys with rock placed atop intermittent streams.
The coal industry said the decision could mean lost jobs.
The coal industry blasted the decision, saying it jeopardizes tens of thousands of high-paying jobs.
"By deciding to hold up for still further review coal mining permits pending in West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee, the agency damages a weak economy struggling to recover in the worst recession in postwar history," National Mining Association President Hal Quinn said in a statement.
Mountaintop mines in the states where the practice is most common — West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee — produce about 130 million tons of coal each year, or about 14 percent of the coal used to produce electricity in the U.S., and employ about 14,000 people.
The Obama administration on Friday stepped up its efforts to curb environmental damage from surface coal mining, announcing plans to give 79 permit applications in four states additional scrutiny.
Forty-nine of the permits are for mines in Kentucky, the nation's No. 3 coal-producing state. The list also includes 23 mines in West Virginia, the nation's No. 2 producer behind Wyoming, six in Ohio and one in Tennessee.
The action targets a practice known as mountaintop removal mining. The highly efficient mining method involves blasting away mountaintops to expose multiple coal seams and, in most cases, filling nearby valleys with rock placed atop intermittent streams.
The coal industry said the decision could mean lost jobs.
The coal industry blasted the decision, saying it jeopardizes tens of thousands of high-paying jobs.
"By deciding to hold up for still further review coal mining permits pending in West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee, the agency damages a weak economy struggling to recover in the worst recession in postwar history," National Mining Association President Hal Quinn said in a statement.
Mountaintop mines in the states where the practice is most common — West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee — produce about 130 million tons of coal each year, or about 14 percent of the coal used to produce electricity in the U.S., and employ about 14,000 people.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Metallurgical Coal Titan, Walter Energy Leaving Tampa, Headed To Birmingham.
Read the full story here.
Tampa, Fla.-based Walter Energy announced Wednesday it plans to move its headquarters to Birmingham and named its local subsidiary leader, George R. Richmond, to a top corporate spot.
Office site selection is underway in the Birmingham area for a space to fit about 50 corporate employees, said Michael A. Monahan, a spokesman for the company. It’s expected to be open in Birmingham by the first half of next year, said a news release.
Monahan said Walter Energy (NYSE: WLT) employs about 2,100 people total and 2,000 of them are already in Alabama. With $1.2 billion in annual revenue, the move will make it one of the top five public companies based in Birmingham.
Tampa, Fla.-based Walter Energy announced Wednesday it plans to move its headquarters to Birmingham and named its local subsidiary leader, George R. Richmond, to a top corporate spot.
Office site selection is underway in the Birmingham area for a space to fit about 50 corporate employees, said Michael A. Monahan, a spokesman for the company. It’s expected to be open in Birmingham by the first half of next year, said a news release.
Monahan said Walter Energy (NYSE: WLT) employs about 2,100 people total and 2,000 of them are already in Alabama. With $1.2 billion in annual revenue, the move will make it one of the top five public companies based in Birmingham.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Alabama Coal Production Dips Slightly.
Read the Blurb here.
Alabama coal production fell slightly during the state's fiscal second quarter, after both surface and underground operations excavated less of the mineral.
Total production for the three months ended March 30 was 5.1 million tons. That was down from 5.3 million tons in the fiscal first quarter ended Dec. 30.
The seven underground mines produced 3.1 million tons, led by the 1.2 million tons mined by the Jim Walter Resources No. 7 mine in Tuscaloosa County. The mine employs about 800 people inside and outside.
Surface mines produced 2 million tons. The production leader among the dozens of operations was the Taft Coal Sales Choctaw mine in Walker County, with 303,000 tons. The mine employs 86 people.
Alabama produces about 20 million tons of coal each year, selling it to utility companies that burn it for electricity and steelmakers that need it for their process.
Russell Hubbard --
Alabama coal production fell slightly during the state's fiscal second quarter, after both surface and underground operations excavated less of the mineral.
Total production for the three months ended March 30 was 5.1 million tons. That was down from 5.3 million tons in the fiscal first quarter ended Dec. 30.
The seven underground mines produced 3.1 million tons, led by the 1.2 million tons mined by the Jim Walter Resources No. 7 mine in Tuscaloosa County. The mine employs about 800 people inside and outside.
Surface mines produced 2 million tons. The production leader among the dozens of operations was the Taft Coal Sales Choctaw mine in Walker County, with 303,000 tons. The mine employs 86 people.
Alabama produces about 20 million tons of coal each year, selling it to utility companies that burn it for electricity and steelmakers that need it for their process.
Russell Hubbard --
Friday, September 4, 2009
Coal Provides Millions of American Jobs
Catch the complete story here
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Without coal, our economy could take a serious hit. According to a 2006 Pennsylvania State University study, the U.S. could lose up to 6.8 million jobs and $1 trillion of gross economic output by 2015 if coal was removed from our energy mix.
The study also found that the production of domestic coal has expanded from 560 million tons in 1950 to 1.13 billion tons in 2005, while coal consumption for electricity generation has increased from 92 million tons to 1.04 billion tons in this same period.
With Labor Day just around the corner and thousands of Americans in need of jobs, this is certainly an exciting prospect and one more reason to support American coal as part of our balanced energy mix.
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Without coal, our economy could take a serious hit. According to a 2006 Pennsylvania State University study, the U.S. could lose up to 6.8 million jobs and $1 trillion of gross economic output by 2015 if coal was removed from our energy mix.
The study also found that the production of domestic coal has expanded from 560 million tons in 1950 to 1.13 billion tons in 2005, while coal consumption for electricity generation has increased from 92 million tons to 1.04 billion tons in this same period.
With Labor Day just around the corner and thousands of Americans in need of jobs, this is certainly an exciting prospect and one more reason to support American coal as part of our balanced energy mix.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Alabama Power Company Receives Accolades for Economic Development Prowess.
Read the original story here.
Site Selection magazine named Alabama Power one of the nation's Top Utilities for economic development, based on capital investment, job creation, ability to encourage corporate investment and commitment to renewable resources.
"The best utility economic developers lead the way toward high-impact projects and the low-carbon economy all at once," said Adam Bruns, managing editor of Site Selection in a prepared statement. "Helping companies meet sustainability and efficiency targets is becoming just as important as incentives or special power rates in sustaining new or existing corporate operations and expansions."
Site Selection magazine named Alabama Power one of the nation's Top Utilities for economic development, based on capital investment, job creation, ability to encourage corporate investment and commitment to renewable resources.
"The best utility economic developers lead the way toward high-impact projects and the low-carbon economy all at once," said Adam Bruns, managing editor of Site Selection in a prepared statement. "Helping companies meet sustainability and efficiency targets is becoming just as important as incentives or special power rates in sustaining new or existing corporate operations and expansions."
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Political Newcomer for the Alabama Public Service Commission has Coal Miners' Well-Being in Mind.
Stephen Evans, a retirement plan adviser from Dothan, announced that he will be making his first bid for public office in the PSC race. Last week, former Greene County Commission Chairman Chris "Chip" Beeker announced his candidacy for the same seat.
They will meet in the Republican primary in June. Cook is seeking re-election and has no announced Democratic opposition.
The candidate said the PSC should do more lobbying in Washington on national utility issues, such as opposing cap-and-trade legislation that he said would lead to higher electric rates for Alabama Power Co. and fewer jobs for Alabama coal miners.
"We've got to make sure we have conservative PSC members who continuously lobby Congress on behalf of the consumers," he said.
Read the full story here.
Alabama Coal Mines
They will meet in the Republican primary in June. Cook is seeking re-election and has no announced Democratic opposition.
The candidate said the PSC should do more lobbying in Washington on national utility issues, such as opposing cap-and-trade legislation that he said would lead to higher electric rates for Alabama Power Co. and fewer jobs for Alabama coal miners.
"We've got to make sure we have conservative PSC members who continuously lobby Congress on behalf of the consumers," he said.
Read the full story here.
Alabama Coal Mines
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Interior Secretary Limits Domestic Energy Production, but Fast Tracks Solar Development
Peruse the full story here
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Since he took office, Secretary of Interior Salazar has aggressively limited domestic energy production from efficient sources of energy. He revoked oil and gas leases in Utah, delayed taking action to open up additional areas for offshore energy development, and halted a program to allow commercial oil shale leasing. All of these programs would have created American jobs without imposing additional costs on taxpayers.
Now, after months of limiting access to additional sources of domestic energy, Secretary Salazar has decided to fast track taxpayer-subsidized solar energy development on federal lands. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency within the Department of Interior, announced earlier this month its intent to use 676,048 acres in six states—California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado—as solar energy study areas. The process to prepare these areas will take 2 years. The first step—soliciting comments via a Federal Register Notice—has already been completed. Comments were due by July 30, 2009. Salazar claims that this action, which will permit the construction of 13 commercial-sized solar facilities on public lands, will create 50,000 jobs.[1]
Salazar failed to mention that because solar power is heavily subsidized by taxpayer dollars, the jobs this plan creates will lead to many jobs lost elsewhere in the economy. He also failed to note that electricity generated by these plants will cost consumers 2.5 to 4 times more than generation from efficient energy sources like coal and natural gas. And solar is subsidized almost 100 times more than petroleum and natural gas, as measured on an electricity production basis (that is, in terms of dollars of subsidy per megawatt-hour produced).
Posted using ShareThis
Since he took office, Secretary of Interior Salazar has aggressively limited domestic energy production from efficient sources of energy. He revoked oil and gas leases in Utah, delayed taking action to open up additional areas for offshore energy development, and halted a program to allow commercial oil shale leasing. All of these programs would have created American jobs without imposing additional costs on taxpayers.
Now, after months of limiting access to additional sources of domestic energy, Secretary Salazar has decided to fast track taxpayer-subsidized solar energy development on federal lands. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency within the Department of Interior, announced earlier this month its intent to use 676,048 acres in six states—California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado—as solar energy study areas. The process to prepare these areas will take 2 years. The first step—soliciting comments via a Federal Register Notice—has already been completed. Comments were due by July 30, 2009. Salazar claims that this action, which will permit the construction of 13 commercial-sized solar facilities on public lands, will create 50,000 jobs.[1]
Salazar failed to mention that because solar power is heavily subsidized by taxpayer dollars, the jobs this plan creates will lead to many jobs lost elsewhere in the economy. He also failed to note that electricity generated by these plants will cost consumers 2.5 to 4 times more than generation from efficient energy sources like coal and natural gas. And solar is subsidized almost 100 times more than petroleum and natural gas, as measured on an electricity production basis (that is, in terms of dollars of subsidy per megawatt-hour produced).
The ACCF/NAM Estimate of Waxman-Markey
Full story at the Institute for Energy Research
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Relative to the baseline forecasts, gasoline prices increase 20 to 26 percent, residential electricity prices increase 31 to 50 percent, residential natural gas prices increase 56 to 74 percent, and coal prices to electric utilities increase a whopping 565 to 755 percent in 2030. It is clear that President Obama wasn’t kidding during the primaries, when he said his plan would bankrupt coal-fired power plants.
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Relative to the baseline forecasts, gasoline prices increase 20 to 26 percent, residential electricity prices increase 31 to 50 percent, residential natural gas prices increase 56 to 74 percent, and coal prices to electric utilities increase a whopping 565 to 755 percent in 2030. It is clear that President Obama wasn’t kidding during the primaries, when he said his plan would bankrupt coal-fired power plants.
Green community splits over coal use @ Coalblog
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It’s increasingly interesting to see the divisions forming in the green community over the issue of using coal. While many environmental activists try to ignore the fact that we need the affordable, abundant/secure, and increasingly clean energy provided by coal, other members of the green fraternity are willing to admit that we need the always on, baseload energy that can only be supplied by a few energy options — coal being the most obvious of those choices.
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It’s increasingly interesting to see the divisions forming in the green community over the issue of using coal. While many environmental activists try to ignore the fact that we need the affordable, abundant/secure, and increasingly clean energy provided by coal, other members of the green fraternity are willing to admit that we need the always on, baseload energy that can only be supplied by a few energy options — coal being the most obvious of those choices.
Charleston Daily Mail - West Virginia News and Sports -
Commentary -
Steve Roberts: EPA's tardiness threatens the economy
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West Virginia is being victimized by an agenda being pushed by out-of-state interests who don't have the best wishes in mind for their families and communities.
Commentary -
Steve Roberts: EPA's tardiness threatens the economy
Posted using ShareThis
West Virginia is being victimized by an agenda being pushed by out-of-state interests who don't have the best wishes in mind for their families and communities.
Payback For Biting the Hand That Feeds You - pilgrim’s blog - RedState
Payback For Biting the Hand That Feeds You - pilgrim’s blog - RedState
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The U.S. Representatives from the top 16 (Alabama is not one of them) coal producing states who voted for the Cap & Trade morass:
John Yarmuth
Ben Chandler
Allyson Schwartz
Michael Doyle
Paul Kanjorski
Patrick Murphy
John Murtha
Henry Cuellar
Lloyd Doggett
Charles Gonzales
Al Green
Gene Green
Ruben Hinojosa
Sheila Jackson-Lee
Eddie Bernice Johnson
Silvestre Reyes
Diana DeGette
Betsy Markey
Ed Perlmutter
Jared Polis
Baron Hill
Andre Carson
Melissa Bean
Debbie Halvorson
Phil Hare
Mark Kirk
Daniel Lipinski
Janice Schakowsky
Rick Boucher
Gerald Connolly
Jim Moran
Tom Perriello
Bobby Scott
Martin Heinrich
Ray Lujan
Harry Teague
John Boccieri
Steve Driehaus
Marcia Fudge
Marcy Kaptur
Mary Jo Kilroy
Tim Ryan
Zack Space
Betty Sutton
Gabrielle Giffords
Raul Grijalva
Ed Pastor
Bennie Thompson
Steve Cohen
Jim Cooper
Bart Gordon
Donna Edwards
Steny Hoyer
Frank Kratovil
Dutch Ruppersberger
Chris Van Hollen
Dennis Moore
Russ Carnahan
Lacy Clay
Emanuel Cleaver
Ike Skelton
Vic Snyder
Cap and Trade
Say No To Cap and Trade
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The U.S. Representatives from the top 16 (Alabama is not one of them) coal producing states who voted for the Cap & Trade morass:
John Yarmuth
Ben Chandler
Allyson Schwartz
Michael Doyle
Paul Kanjorski
Patrick Murphy
John Murtha
Henry Cuellar
Lloyd Doggett
Charles Gonzales
Al Green
Gene Green
Ruben Hinojosa
Sheila Jackson-Lee
Eddie Bernice Johnson
Silvestre Reyes
Diana DeGette
Betsy Markey
Ed Perlmutter
Jared Polis
Baron Hill
Andre Carson
Melissa Bean
Debbie Halvorson
Phil Hare
Mark Kirk
Daniel Lipinski
Janice Schakowsky
Rick Boucher
Gerald Connolly
Jim Moran
Tom Perriello
Bobby Scott
Martin Heinrich
Ray Lujan
Harry Teague
John Boccieri
Steve Driehaus
Marcia Fudge
Marcy Kaptur
Mary Jo Kilroy
Tim Ryan
Zack Space
Betty Sutton
Gabrielle Giffords
Raul Grijalva
Ed Pastor
Bennie Thompson
Steve Cohen
Jim Cooper
Bart Gordon
Donna Edwards
Steny Hoyer
Frank Kratovil
Dutch Ruppersberger
Chris Van Hollen
Dennis Moore
Russ Carnahan
Lacy Clay
Emanuel Cleaver
Ike Skelton
Vic Snyder
Cap and Trade Say No To Cap and Trade
Americans Unite Against Cap And Trade, Too
Read the full story here
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With everyone focused on the health care debate, Democrats are hoping we’ll all forget about another of their many boondoggles thus far in the Obama Presidency; Cap and Trade (lovingly known as H.R. 2454 - “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009″). This bill, like the Health Care bill(s) being bandied about just now on the Left, promises to deepen the deficit, increase taxes, eliminate jobs, and cost the taxpayers billions upon billions of dollars. Cap and Trade passed the House in late June by a slim margin (219-212), and (via Ed Morrissey over at Hot Air) is slated to be taken up in the Senate in September. The good news here is that passage is not YET a foregone conclusion.
As Erick pointed out a little while back, this bill is in trouble…in large part because the Democrats can’t seem to agree even amongst themselves. It’s also in trouble because, on the merits, it’s just a bad piece of legislation and people are starting to figure out why:
Cap and Trade
Say No To Cap and Trade
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With everyone focused on the health care debate, Democrats are hoping we’ll all forget about another of their many boondoggles thus far in the Obama Presidency; Cap and Trade (lovingly known as H.R. 2454 - “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009″). This bill, like the Health Care bill(s) being bandied about just now on the Left, promises to deepen the deficit, increase taxes, eliminate jobs, and cost the taxpayers billions upon billions of dollars. Cap and Trade passed the House in late June by a slim margin (219-212), and (via Ed Morrissey over at Hot Air) is slated to be taken up in the Senate in September. The good news here is that passage is not YET a foregone conclusion.
As Erick pointed out a little while back, this bill is in trouble…in large part because the Democrats can’t seem to agree even amongst themselves. It’s also in trouble because, on the merits, it’s just a bad piece of legislation and people are starting to figure out why:
Cap and TradeSay No To Cap and Trade
Kennedy Doesn't Play By The Rules - The Boston Globe
Kennedy doesn't play by the rules - The Boston Globe
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The stunning hypocrisy of liberal environmentalists is never more encapsulated than Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy pulling strings to kill a wind farm in New England. The NIMBY mentality is absurd.
More commentary on the issue: Let's Unite Behind an Alternative Energy Project
But, it turns out, Kennedy's antipathy to furtive rules changes and backroom power plays stops at the water's edge -- specifically, the waters of Nantucket Sound, which separates Cape Cod (where the Kennedy family has an oceanfront compound in Hyannis Port) from the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. A shoal in the center of Nantucket Sound is where Cape Wind Associates hopes to build the nation's first offshore wind farm -- an array of 130 wind turbines capable of generating enough electricity to meet 75 percent of the Cape and Islands' energy needs, without burning any oil or emitting any pollution. The turbines would be miles from any coastal property, barely visible on the horizon. In fact, Cape Wind says they would be farther away from the nearest home than any other electricity generation project in Massachusetts.
But like a lot of well-to-do Cape and Islands landowners and sailing enthusiasts, Kennedy doesn't want to share his Atlantic playground with an energy facility, no matter how clean, green, and nearly unseen. Last month he secretly arranged for a poison-pill amendment, never debated in either house of Congress, to be slipped into an unrelated Coast Guard bill. It would give the governor of Massachusetts, who just happens to be a wind farm opponent, unilateral authority to veto the Cape Wind project.
NIMBY
Cap and Trade
Edward Kennedy
Hypocrisy
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The stunning hypocrisy of liberal environmentalists is never more encapsulated than Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy pulling strings to kill a wind farm in New England. The NIMBY mentality is absurd.
More commentary on the issue: Let's Unite Behind an Alternative Energy Project
But, it turns out, Kennedy's antipathy to furtive rules changes and backroom power plays stops at the water's edge -- specifically, the waters of Nantucket Sound, which separates Cape Cod (where the Kennedy family has an oceanfront compound in Hyannis Port) from the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. A shoal in the center of Nantucket Sound is where Cape Wind Associates hopes to build the nation's first offshore wind farm -- an array of 130 wind turbines capable of generating enough electricity to meet 75 percent of the Cape and Islands' energy needs, without burning any oil or emitting any pollution. The turbines would be miles from any coastal property, barely visible on the horizon. In fact, Cape Wind says they would be farther away from the nearest home than any other electricity generation project in Massachusetts.
But like a lot of well-to-do Cape and Islands landowners and sailing enthusiasts, Kennedy doesn't want to share his Atlantic playground with an energy facility, no matter how clean, green, and nearly unseen. Last month he secretly arranged for a poison-pill amendment, never debated in either house of Congress, to be slipped into an unrelated Coast Guard bill. It would give the governor of Massachusetts, who just happens to be a wind farm opponent, unilateral authority to veto the Cape Wind project.
NIMBY Cap and Trade Edward Kennedy Hypocrisy
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
An Energy Future That Businesses And Working Families Can Afford
For states across the Southeast, including Alabama, cap-and-trade would have a devastating effect. Without the solar and wind resources enjoyed in the desert Southwest or the Great Plains, power generators in our region would have no choice but to purchase expensive emissions credits. And once again, businesses and working families alike would foot the bill in the form of higher electricity rates.
Lawmakers in Washington aren't basing their proposals on this reality, but they should. In these economic times, the last thing families in Alabama can afford is a drastic increase in power bills caused by national energy mandates. Manufacturers, likewise, are in no position to absorb higher overhead costs.
Study the full article here.
Lawmakers in Washington aren't basing their proposals on this reality, but they should. In these economic times, the last thing families in Alabama can afford is a drastic increase in power bills caused by national energy mandates. Manufacturers, likewise, are in no position to absorb higher overhead costs.
Study the full article here.
Southern Company to seek funds for 'clean coal' project.
Southern Company plans to seek funding from the Energy Department for a project in Mississippi to capture carbon dioxide emissions.
The parent company of Alabama Power will ask the government to help support its proposed Kemper County power plant, Chief Executive David Ratcliffe said in an interview with Bloomberg News.
The Energy Department set a Monday deadline for companies to apply for matching funds under the Clean Coal Power Initiative, a program funded partly by $800 million from the U.S. economic stimulus law in February.
Catch the full story here.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Hot Air On Wind Energy, by Factcheck.org
An excellent article about the delusional daydreaming of the environmentalists, and their hypocritical NIMBY prowess. Enjoy!
Interior Secretary Salazar said that the amount of "developable" wind power off the East Coast could produce more energy than all the coal-fired electric plants in the U.S., and that wind’s potential to replace most of our coal power "is a very real possibility." We find his claims to be wildly optimistic, to say the least.
FACES of Coal Campaign Launches in Charleston
New Grassroots Coalition Kicks Off National Campaign to Protect the Jobs, Families and Communities that Rely on Coal
CHARLESTON, W.Va., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Federation for American Coal, Energy and Security (FACES of Coal) today launched its FACES of Coal campaign to promote the economic benefits and community resources that coal generates for residents in Appalachia and, specifically, West Virginia. Dozens of participants from various backgrounds inaugurated the grassroots movement at a press conference held at the Charleston Area Alliance Building.
"Look around this room and you see first responders, teachers, small businesspeople, people from every walk of life," said West Virginia State Senator Roman Prezioso. "Why did they come? They came because they realize coal produces jobs; coal produces a tax base that supports our infrastructure; coal pays for playgrounds and makes energy rates more affordable. They know the truth and want to make sure others know it as well."
FACES of Coal is an alliance of individuals from all walks of life who have joined forces to educate lawmakers and the general public about the importance of coal and coal mining to our local and national economies. Some 70 different organizations and individuals representing a broad cross-section of people and communities throughout the Appalachian region are the coalition's first members. Any individual, business or organization can join FACES of Coal.
"The benefits of coal reach deep into our communities. While not all counties in West Virginia produce coal, all counties receive a share of the coal severance tax. These funds are used to shore up county budgets and provide necessary services to our citizens," said Vivian Parsons, Executive Director of the County Commissioners' Association of West Virginia.
The alliance grew out of a deep concern shared by business and community leaders in the region that outside groups are determined to end coal mining in Appalachia. They worry that pressure from radical groups, combined with arbitrary government delays of mining permits, will result in severe job cuts, local and state government budget crises, and increased dependence on foreign countries for America's energy supply.
The FACES of Coal campaign is building on the effective work of Friends of Coal, Coal Mining our Future and the Mountaintop Mining Coalition among others to make sure local, state and federal lawmakers and people around the country know the facts about coal and understand how important coal mining is to the region. The campaign aims to encourage people to speak out and stand up for their jobs and their future. The group's website - www.facesofcoal.org - provides background information about coal and coal mining, as well as access to direct links to elected representatives in state capitals and in Washington, and the local news media.
The Federation for American Coal, Energy and Security (FACES of Coal) is an alliance of people from all walks of life who are joining forces to educate lawmakers and the general public about the importance of coal and coal mining to our local and national economies and to our nation's energy security. In addition to keeping tens of thousands of people employed in good-paying jobs, coal is the lifeblood of our domestic energy supply, generating half the electricity consumed in the United States today. Take action and join us today at www.facesofcoal.org.
CHARLESTON, W.Va., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Federation for American Coal, Energy and Security (FACES of Coal) today launched its FACES of Coal campaign to promote the economic benefits and community resources that coal generates for residents in Appalachia and, specifically, West Virginia. Dozens of participants from various backgrounds inaugurated the grassroots movement at a press conference held at the Charleston Area Alliance Building.
"Look around this room and you see first responders, teachers, small businesspeople, people from every walk of life," said West Virginia State Senator Roman Prezioso. "Why did they come? They came because they realize coal produces jobs; coal produces a tax base that supports our infrastructure; coal pays for playgrounds and makes energy rates more affordable. They know the truth and want to make sure others know it as well."
FACES of Coal is an alliance of individuals from all walks of life who have joined forces to educate lawmakers and the general public about the importance of coal and coal mining to our local and national economies. Some 70 different organizations and individuals representing a broad cross-section of people and communities throughout the Appalachian region are the coalition's first members. Any individual, business or organization can join FACES of Coal.
"The benefits of coal reach deep into our communities. While not all counties in West Virginia produce coal, all counties receive a share of the coal severance tax. These funds are used to shore up county budgets and provide necessary services to our citizens," said Vivian Parsons, Executive Director of the County Commissioners' Association of West Virginia.
The alliance grew out of a deep concern shared by business and community leaders in the region that outside groups are determined to end coal mining in Appalachia. They worry that pressure from radical groups, combined with arbitrary government delays of mining permits, will result in severe job cuts, local and state government budget crises, and increased dependence on foreign countries for America's energy supply.
The FACES of Coal campaign is building on the effective work of Friends of Coal, Coal Mining our Future and the Mountaintop Mining Coalition among others to make sure local, state and federal lawmakers and people around the country know the facts about coal and understand how important coal mining is to the region. The campaign aims to encourage people to speak out and stand up for their jobs and their future. The group's website - www.facesofcoal.org - provides background information about coal and coal mining, as well as access to direct links to elected representatives in state capitals and in Washington, and the local news media.
The Federation for American Coal, Energy and Security (FACES of Coal) is an alliance of people from all walks of life who are joining forces to educate lawmakers and the general public about the importance of coal and coal mining to our local and national economies and to our nation's energy security. In addition to keeping tens of thousands of people employed in good-paying jobs, coal is the lifeblood of our domestic energy supply, generating half the electricity consumed in the United States today. Take action and join us today at www.facesofcoal.org.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Coal & Steel
Steel is an essential material for modern life. The manufacture of steels delivers the goods and services that our societies need – healthcare, telecommunications, improved agricultural practices, better transport networks, clean water and access to reliable and affordable energy.
Global steel production is dependent on coal. Almost 70% of the steel produced today uses coal. Metallurgical coal – or coking coal – is a vital ingredient in the steel making process. World crude steel production was 1.3 billion tonnes in 2008. Around 590 million tonnes of coking coal was used in the production of steel.
Courtesy of the World Coal Institute.
Another News Piece About Watco Launching The Alabama Warrior Line
Birmingham-area startup short line aims mainly at furnace-coke operation
Short line operator Watco Transportation Services got its new Alabama Warrior Railway in operation this month in and around Birmingham, Ala.
The railroad operates 15 miles of track, Watco said, mainly to deliver coal to the Walter Coke Company in Birmingham, which produces hot-burning furnace and foundry coke for fuel.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Alabama Neighbors Unite To Fight Development Plans
--Opponents want to derail Norfolk Southern's planned $112 million intermodal hub in McCalla that promises up to 600 direct and 8,000 spin-off jobs.
--Vincent residents are quarreling over a $100 million limestone quarry that could create 125 jobs.
--A coal mining company is taking its lumps in the Blount County town of Rosa, where MCoal Corp. wants to spend an initial $5 million and create 25 jobs with an auger mine.
Excerpts of the Birmingham News article (read it in full, here):
In the Blount County community of Rosa, the group launched www.rosamine.org to share information about the coal mine a Canadian company wants to operate there.
Debbie Murphy, a resident on Berry Hill above the mine was one of the group's founders.
The group in Rosa is not staunchly opposed to the project, but is more of a watchdog group keeping an eye on MCoal and the process, Murphy said.
"A lot of the families here were coal miners themselves, so we're not knocking coal mining. We're just concerned about the whole operation starting all over again and what might come from it," she said.
Neil MacDonald, president of MCoal, said the company has been pursuing the mine for about a year. The specialty metallurgical coal found in Rosa is top quality and can be used in processes ranging from water purification to carbon-based lubricants to coking operations and to enhance lower quality coals, he said.
MacDonald said past companies bench-mined the coal off the edge of Berry Mountain before the current environmental and reclamation laws were in place. "They left a bit of a mess," he said of past operators.
MacDonald said he welcomes the watchful eye of the community over their operation in Rosa.
"There is a disingenuous kind of disconnect there," he said. "We want the Mercedes-Benzes and the Hondas and the Hyundais of the world and even the steel plants with our history here, but we don't want the quarries that produce the products that are essential to producing the steel for the automotive industry."
The other factor that is being overlooked, according to Bradley, is that these industries don't have the luxury of picking a site just anywhere for their project.
"A coal mine has to go where the coal is, a limestone project has to go where the minerals are and even the railroad is limited to where it can go by being able to connect to the rail line," he said.
Husband said the company is used to communities initially being afraid of the unknown, but then recognizing their worst concerns will not become a reality. Getting to that point in McCalla is proving difficult.
"Hopefully, as we get more factual information out there to counter a lot of the misinformation and the distortion of information, people will see that this project is really good for Alabama, really good for Jefferson County, and it will create the jobs we expect it to create," Husband said. "By the same token, for the people who live right there near the terminal, they're going to see the impact on their property values and quality of life are really non-issues."
MCoal's MacDonald said his company has also made concessions to the community group. He, too, is struck by the poor reception many seem to be giving his company's good intentions.
"People obviously care about what business is doing in their backyard, as they should," he said. "The part of it that's a little bit surprising is just the fact that it doesn't appear people are taking the time to truly learn our business and our plan."
In all three cases, environmental concerns have been among those raised. Air and water pollution are concerns cited in Rosa, Vincent and McCalla.
Bradley said the fact that the environmental movement has grown with the NIMBY movement is not a coincidence.
"There is another factor and that is the much more organized and energetic community of environmental activists than there used to be years ago," he said. "Some of those are not as concerned with the potential impact to the environment as they are with stopping growth. They use the environment as a tool to try to stop projects."
Despite all of the opposition, the companies behind the projects remain committed to making them happen.
Alabama Coal Mines
NIMBY
rosamine.org
Rosa Coal Mine
Blount County Coal Mine
Mcoal Corporation
--Vincent residents are quarreling over a $100 million limestone quarry that could create 125 jobs.
--A coal mining company is taking its lumps in the Blount County town of Rosa, where MCoal Corp. wants to spend an initial $5 million and create 25 jobs with an auger mine.
Excerpts of the Birmingham News article (read it in full, here):
In the Blount County community of Rosa, the group launched www.rosamine.org to share information about the coal mine a Canadian company wants to operate there.
Debbie Murphy, a resident on Berry Hill above the mine was one of the group's founders.
The group in Rosa is not staunchly opposed to the project, but is more of a watchdog group keeping an eye on MCoal and the process, Murphy said.
"A lot of the families here were coal miners themselves, so we're not knocking coal mining. We're just concerned about the whole operation starting all over again and what might come from it," she said.
Neil MacDonald, president of MCoal, said the company has been pursuing the mine for about a year. The specialty metallurgical coal found in Rosa is top quality and can be used in processes ranging from water purification to carbon-based lubricants to coking operations and to enhance lower quality coals, he said.
MacDonald said past companies bench-mined the coal off the edge of Berry Mountain before the current environmental and reclamation laws were in place. "They left a bit of a mess," he said of past operators.
MacDonald said he welcomes the watchful eye of the community over their operation in Rosa.
"There is a disingenuous kind of disconnect there," he said. "We want the Mercedes-Benzes and the Hondas and the Hyundais of the world and even the steel plants with our history here, but we don't want the quarries that produce the products that are essential to producing the steel for the automotive industry."
The other factor that is being overlooked, according to Bradley, is that these industries don't have the luxury of picking a site just anywhere for their project.
"A coal mine has to go where the coal is, a limestone project has to go where the minerals are and even the railroad is limited to where it can go by being able to connect to the rail line," he said.
Husband said the company is used to communities initially being afraid of the unknown, but then recognizing their worst concerns will not become a reality. Getting to that point in McCalla is proving difficult.
"Hopefully, as we get more factual information out there to counter a lot of the misinformation and the distortion of information, people will see that this project is really good for Alabama, really good for Jefferson County, and it will create the jobs we expect it to create," Husband said. "By the same token, for the people who live right there near the terminal, they're going to see the impact on their property values and quality of life are really non-issues."
MCoal's MacDonald said his company has also made concessions to the community group. He, too, is struck by the poor reception many seem to be giving his company's good intentions.
"People obviously care about what business is doing in their backyard, as they should," he said. "The part of it that's a little bit surprising is just the fact that it doesn't appear people are taking the time to truly learn our business and our plan."
In all three cases, environmental concerns have been among those raised. Air and water pollution are concerns cited in Rosa, Vincent and McCalla.
Bradley said the fact that the environmental movement has grown with the NIMBY movement is not a coincidence.
"There is another factor and that is the much more organized and energetic community of environmental activists than there used to be years ago," he said. "Some of those are not as concerned with the potential impact to the environment as they are with stopping growth. They use the environment as a tool to try to stop projects."
Despite all of the opposition, the companies behind the projects remain committed to making them happen.
Alabama Coal Mines NIMBY rosamine.org Rosa Coal MineBlount County Coal MineMcoal Corporation
Alabama Policy Institute: An Alabama Citizen's Guide to the Environment
This illuminating study covers many facets of the environment. It draws conclusions based on national data, as well as data here in Alabama.
This illuminating study covers many facets of the environment. It draws conclusions based on national data, as well as data here in Alabama.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Saving Lives With Coal.
Coal helps keep American homes, businesses, factories, airports, schools and hospitals humming, and provides myriad benefits that never get mentioned by anti-coal factions. Even if we accept these groups’ assertions as fact, the benefits of coal should be considered in any policy debate – just as we acknowledge (and strive to reduce) motor vehicle deaths, but recognize the value of transporting people, products and produce.
Continue reading the article at Accuracy in Media.
How Coal Helps Our Lives!
Either download and zoom on the images, or follow the link to the originals.
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Original image here.
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Original image here.
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Original image here.
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Original image here.
Friday, August 14, 2009
An interesting piece regarding the history of Alabama's coal industry at the Encyclopedia of Alabama.
Birmingham's Tap Water is Top Five In Nation & Environmentalists Lament
Top 5 cities with cleanest drinking water
1. Des Moines, Iowa
2. Austin, Texas
3. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
4. Miami, Florida
5. Birmingham, Alabama
Forbes Article
With all the espoused lost illusions of how dreadful coal mines, quarries, and chicken broilers are, how is it we have some of the best water in the Country???
1. Des Moines, Iowa
2. Austin, Texas
3. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
4. Miami, Florida
5. Birmingham, Alabama
Forbes Article
With all the espoused lost illusions of how dreadful coal mines, quarries, and chicken broilers are, how is it we have some of the best water in the Country???
From ADEM's Website.
Drinking Water
General Information
The ADEM Drinking Water Branch works closely with the more than 700 water systems in Alabama that provide safe drinking water to 4 million citizens. Each month the bacteriological quality of the drinking water being provided is tested by the individual systems with the results submitted to ADEM for review and approval. Both quarterly and annually certain chemical contaminants are analyzed to ensure that the drinking water meets all established drinking water standards. Routinely, water systems in Alabama maintain a high compliance rate with drinking water standards of approximately 94%.
The excellent quality of drinking water and a high compliance rate of public drinking water systems can be attributed to numerous factors including mandatory operator certification that requires adequately trained operators to treat the drinking water, properly constructed and maintained drinking water treatment facilities that can only be constructed with a permit from ADEM, and a high quality of both surface water and ground water that is protected through numerous activities of the Department including the Wellhead Protection Program and the NPDES Discharge Permit Program. The Drinking Water Branch annually reviews more than 150 sets of plans and specifications for water construction projects, performs final inspections, and also provides annual inspections of all public water systems. (Technical assistance is also provided to managers and operators regarding new and proposed drinking water requirements.)
ADEM annually provides a compliance report listing all water system violations that have occurred. In addition, water systems are required to provide an Annual Consumer Confidence Report to its customers no later than July 1 each year, providing information on contaminants that have been detected in the drinking water, status of source water assessments, source of drinking water and treatment processes, and general information regarding board meeting dates and locations. All systems with drinking water sources have recently completed or will soon complete an assessment of contaminant activities which may impact drinking water quality. Upon completion of Source Water assessments by water systems, public meetings will be held to provide information to their consumers regarding the potential for contamination of their drinking water sources and identifying what steps are being taken to protect their drinking water sources.
ADEM
Alabama Department of Environmental Management
NPDES Discharge Permit
Alabama Coal Mines
General Information
The ADEM Drinking Water Branch works closely with the more than 700 water systems in Alabama that provide safe drinking water to 4 million citizens. Each month the bacteriological quality of the drinking water being provided is tested by the individual systems with the results submitted to ADEM for review and approval. Both quarterly and annually certain chemical contaminants are analyzed to ensure that the drinking water meets all established drinking water standards. Routinely, water systems in Alabama maintain a high compliance rate with drinking water standards of approximately 94%.
The excellent quality of drinking water and a high compliance rate of public drinking water systems can be attributed to numerous factors including mandatory operator certification that requires adequately trained operators to treat the drinking water, properly constructed and maintained drinking water treatment facilities that can only be constructed with a permit from ADEM, and a high quality of both surface water and ground water that is protected through numerous activities of the Department including the Wellhead Protection Program and the NPDES Discharge Permit Program. The Drinking Water Branch annually reviews more than 150 sets of plans and specifications for water construction projects, performs final inspections, and also provides annual inspections of all public water systems. (Technical assistance is also provided to managers and operators regarding new and proposed drinking water requirements.)
ADEM annually provides a compliance report listing all water system violations that have occurred. In addition, water systems are required to provide an Annual Consumer Confidence Report to its customers no later than July 1 each year, providing information on contaminants that have been detected in the drinking water, status of source water assessments, source of drinking water and treatment processes, and general information regarding board meeting dates and locations. All systems with drinking water sources have recently completed or will soon complete an assessment of contaminant activities which may impact drinking water quality. Upon completion of Source Water assessments by water systems, public meetings will be held to provide information to their consumers regarding the potential for contamination of their drinking water sources and identifying what steps are being taken to protect their drinking water sources.
ADEMAlabama Department of Environmental ManagementNPDES Discharge PermitAlabama Coal Mines
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Black Warrior River group loses battle to stop coal mine near Birmingham water supply intake
Riverkeepers lack standing to pursue their appeal.
The mining company must get the water discharge permit from ADEM and a mining permit from the mining commission. Until the Alabama Surface Mining Commission "completes its obligations during the course of its portion of the permitting process, the petitioner (Riverkeeper) lacks standing to pursue this appeal," the judge said in her recommendation.
ADEM
Alabama Department of Environmental Management
NPDES Discharge Permit
Alabama Coal Mines
The mining company must get the water discharge permit from ADEM and a mining permit from the mining commission. Until the Alabama Surface Mining Commission "completes its obligations during the course of its portion of the permitting process, the petitioner (Riverkeeper) lacks standing to pursue this appeal," the judge said in her recommendation.
ADEMAlabama Department of Environmental Management NPDES Discharge Permit Alabama Coal Mines
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Alabama's Mining Industry Examined Per U.S. Congressional District, in 2007.
U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner's First Congressional District is home to26 mining operations.
U.S. Rep. Bobby Bright's Second Congressional District is home to 23 mining operations.
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers's Third Congressional District is home to 21 mining operations.
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt's Fourth Congressional District is home to53 mining operations.
U.S. Rep. Parker Griffith's Fifth Congressional District is home to 11 mining operations
U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus' Sixth Congressional District is home to 73 mining operations.
U.S. Rep. Artur Davis' Seventh Congressional District is home to 35 mining operations.
242 total mining operations in Alabama for 2007. That equals many jobs, that help many Alabama families.
See for yourself, here.
Alabama Coal Mines 
Alabama Mining
Alabama's U.S. Congressional Districts
In 2006, what was the annual coal miner's wage in Alabama, compared to all other industries?
$64,577.00 for coal miners VS. $35,520.00 for everyone else.
A gigantic difference, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
$64,577.00 for coal miners VS. $35,520.00 for everyone else.
A gigantic difference, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Releases First Sustainable Development Report
Written in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, the Report aims to establish baselines within several key sustainability areas, including:
-- Governance, Management and Transparency
-- Environmental Stewardship
-- Promoting Sustainable Development in Local Communities
-- Economic Impact
-- Respecting Employees
The Report is located at: http://www.cliffsnaturalresources.com/Development/Pages/2008SustainabilityReport.aspx
Cliffs Natural Resources
Jefferson County Coal Mine
Adger Coal Mine
Oak Grove Coal Mine
Alabama Coal Mines
Written in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, the Report aims to establish baselines within several key sustainability areas, including:
-- Governance, Management and Transparency
-- Environmental Stewardship
-- Promoting Sustainable Development in Local Communities
-- Economic Impact
-- Respecting Employees
The Report is located at: http://www.cliffsnaturalresources.com/Development/Pages/2008SustainabilityReport.aspx
Cliffs Natural ResourcesJefferson County Coal MineAdger Coal MineOak Grove Coal MineAlabama Coal Mines
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Coal: An Abundant Energy Resource.
An informative .pdf flier, published by the American Coal Council.
An informative .pdf flier, published by the American Coal Council.
The Economic Contributions of Mining in Alabama
Examine The 2007 Report Here.
An insightful report, furnished for the National Mining Association, of facts and statistics concerning the economic contributions of coal; not only in Alabama, but Nationwide
• The State of Alabama, home to 241 mining operations, provided direct employment to 11,710 people and another 27,810 people indirectly from mining activity occurring both in and outside the state for a total of 39,520 jobs statewide.
• Mining jobs in Alabama are high paying – 55 percent higher than the average wage in the state. The average annual wage in the mining industry in Alabama was $58,000 in 2007. Total direct earnings from the State of Alabama’s mining payroll were $680 million. Including earnings from indirect economic activity from the mining industry in Alabama and elsewhere, a total of $1,670 million was earned by workers in Alabama. Income and payroll taxes from Alabama payrolls, including federal, state and local, and FICA totaled nearly $519 million.
• Alabama mining operations created $2,450 million worth of mineral, metal and fuel products. The economic activity indirectly generated by the mining industry in Alabama and other states generated an additional $3,190 million in output from suppliers and other industries in Alabama. In total, $5,640 million in output was generated in Alabama by the mining industry.
• American mining produces the critical raw materials necessary to the foundation of our economy. From the minerals and materials used in housing, automobiles and computers, to the mined coal and uranium that generates more than half our nation’s electricity.
• A total of 1.5 million jobs were generated by mining in the United States in 2007. For each of the 376,310 jobs in mining, the mining industry requires the output equivalent of a total of 3.9 workers. Thus, excluding the one mining job, each mining job creates an additional 2.9 jobs in other sectors of the economy.
• For each job in coal mining, an additional 3.5 jobs are created elsewhere in the economy - a total of 4.5 jobs including coal miners. Coal mining in the U.S. generated a total of 554,650 jobs during 2007.
Coal Mining Wages
Alabama Coal Mines
Alabama Mining
Economic Contributions of Coal Mining
An insightful report, furnished for the National Mining Association, of facts and statistics concerning the economic contributions of coal; not only in Alabama, but Nationwide
• The State of Alabama, home to 241 mining operations, provided direct employment to 11,710 people and another 27,810 people indirectly from mining activity occurring both in and outside the state for a total of 39,520 jobs statewide.
• Mining jobs in Alabama are high paying – 55 percent higher than the average wage in the state. The average annual wage in the mining industry in Alabama was $58,000 in 2007. Total direct earnings from the State of Alabama’s mining payroll were $680 million. Including earnings from indirect economic activity from the mining industry in Alabama and elsewhere, a total of $1,670 million was earned by workers in Alabama. Income and payroll taxes from Alabama payrolls, including federal, state and local, and FICA totaled nearly $519 million.
• Alabama mining operations created $2,450 million worth of mineral, metal and fuel products. The economic activity indirectly generated by the mining industry in Alabama and other states generated an additional $3,190 million in output from suppliers and other industries in Alabama. In total, $5,640 million in output was generated in Alabama by the mining industry.
• American mining produces the critical raw materials necessary to the foundation of our economy. From the minerals and materials used in housing, automobiles and computers, to the mined coal and uranium that generates more than half our nation’s electricity.
• A total of 1.5 million jobs were generated by mining in the United States in 2007. For each of the 376,310 jobs in mining, the mining industry requires the output equivalent of a total of 3.9 workers. Thus, excluding the one mining job, each mining job creates an additional 2.9 jobs in other sectors of the economy.
• For each job in coal mining, an additional 3.5 jobs are created elsewhere in the economy - a total of 4.5 jobs including coal miners. Coal mining in the U.S. generated a total of 554,650 jobs during 2007.
Coal Mining WagesAlabama Coal MinesAlabama MiningEconomic Contributions of Coal Mining
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